Table Manners

Sarah - posted on 06/06/2010
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I know it is still kind of early to bring this up, but what is everyone doing about table manners? I'm trying to let William explore his food and utensils, but sometimes he'll drop or throw food on purpose. I'll pick it up and take it as a sign that he is full, start cleaning up so he doesn't make a bigger mess and explain that we don't throw food. What are your thoughts, opinions or strategies? I'm getting tired of cleaning up my floor!

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Lacye - posted on 06/20/2010

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in my opinion, now is the perfect time to start table manners! bravo to you! and any other mother that is starting! i've been working on it as well, and for now, it looks like we are all gonna be cleaning the floors a lot. lol. it's just a baby thing. after a while they will get the idea that they aren't supposed to do that.

I make sure that we all sit at the table together for our evening meal, (only Chris is allowed to leave the table before everyone has finishde and that is only because he is severly autistic and likes to take his food and eat by himself) having good table manners starts young and they learn by example. Amelia is now learning to use a fork, she can use a spoon already and has had some success with her fork. Don't make a fuss if they make a mess, it's all part of learning and having fun with food can stop them becoming fussy as they get older.We have messy afternoons where we explore textures of things ( I make a bowl of jelly for them to play in, or cooked pasta) but don't play with food at the dining table, it can confuse LO's when you tell them not to play with their meals!

I think just being consistent is the key. My son loves to throw his sippy on the floor. When I catch him starting to throw it I say no and give him the "you better not" face. If he does it anyway I take it away and he doesn't get it back for quite a while. If he puts it back down on the tray I say thank you. We've been working on this for a few weeks now and he's just now starting to realize that it's not worth it to throw it on the floor. Just keep at it Mama!